JP2008164892A - Printing recording material storage body and manufacturing method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress or prevent a consumable item for special use from being used in general use. <P>SOLUTION: A toner cartridge 10a has a container 11a, which is a consumable body storing toner as a consumable, and a storage element 20a. The storage element 20a is attached to the external wall of the container 11a, and stores various information such as a contract ID, a remaining amount of consumables, a consumable item ID, a model number, and an expiration date of the consumable. The storage element 20a has an information storage area for a regular remaining amount for a printer in general use, and an information storage area for specific remaining amount for a printer in special use. The information storage area for specific remaining amount can be read only by the printer for special use. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a print recording material container that contains a print recording material as a consumable, and a method for manufacturing the same.

  Conventionally, various consumables provided in a printing apparatus are appropriately replaced by a user or a service person when the replacement time comes. Here, as consumables used in the printing apparatus, for example, a toner cartridge, an ink cartridge, a photosensitive cartridge, a fixing unit, a transfer unit, and an intermediate transfer unit are known. In the conventional mode, in order to immediately replace the consumable when the consumable is consumed, it is necessary to purchase the consumable, and when the user purchases the consumable or requests a serviceman when the consumable is consumed. May not be able to use the printing device continuously.

  In recent years, a maintenance contract including a consumable cost has been provided as a form of a maintenance contract for a printing apparatus. In order to realize such a maintenance contract, a technique is known in which consumable information in a printing apparatus is managed by a server computer (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-173500 A

  However, according to the conventional technology, it is possible to determine whether or not an appropriate consumable is attached to a printing apparatus to be contracted, that is, a printing apparatus for a specific application. That is, it has been impossible to suppress or prevent the use of consumables for specific applications in a general-purpose printing apparatus.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to suppress or prevent the use of a consumable for a specific application in a general application.

  In order to solve at least a part of the above problems, a first aspect of the present invention provides a consumable for a printing apparatus. The consumable according to the first aspect of the present invention is referred to by a first storage area that stores at least identification information indicating whether or not the consumable is for a specific use, and a printing device for the specific use. A storage device including at least a second storage area for storing information on the consumption amount of the consumables.

  According to the consumable for the printing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first storage area that stores at least identification information indicating whether the consumable is for a specific use, and the print for the specific use Since the storage device including the second storage area that stores at least information related to the amount of consumption of the consumables referred to by the device is provided, it is possible to suppress or prevent the use of the consumables for specific applications in general applications.

  In the consumable item according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the consumable item is a consumable item for a specific application, the consumable item is further stored in the first storage area as information on the consumption amount of the consumable item. Information indicating that the remaining amount is 0 may be stored. In this case, the general-purpose printing apparatus can obtain only information on the remaining amount 0 as information related to the amount of consumption of consumables, and execution of printing processing is restricted.

  A second aspect of the invention provides a consumable for a printing device. The consumable item according to the second aspect of the present invention stores at least identification information indicating whether or not the consumable item is for a specific use, and information regarding the consumption amount of the consumable item rendered meaningless. A storage device.

  According to the consumable for a printing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is a storage device attached to the consumable main body, and at least identification information indicating whether the consumable is for a specific use. In addition, since the storage device for storing the information regarding the consumption amount of the consumables made meaningless is provided, it is possible to suppress or prevent the use of the consumable items for specific applications in general applications.

  In the consumable item according to the second aspect of the present invention, the meaningless information regarding the consumption amount of the consumable item may be executed by a process of setting the remaining amount of the consumable item to zero. In this case, the general-purpose printing apparatus can obtain only information on the remaining amount 0 as information related to the amount of consumption of consumables, and execution of printing processing is restricted. Further, in the consumable according to the second aspect of the present invention, the storage device may be a storage device that can be rewritten only once after the initial recording. In this case, alteration of the storage contents of the storage device after shipment can be suppressed or prevented.

  In the consumable item according to the second aspect of the present invention, the meaningless information regarding the consumption amount of the consumable item may be executed by a process that inhibits reading of information regarding the consumption amount of the consumable item. In this case, by making the information on the consumption amount of the consumables unavailable, the information on the consumption amount of the consumables can be made virtually meaningless.

  A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a consumable for a printing apparatus. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a consumable, comprising: preparing a consumable with a storage device, and storing at least information about a consumption amount of the consumable in the storage device; Is recorded in the storage device from outside the packaging container when the consumable is for a specific application. Providing meaningless information on the amount of consumption of the consumables being used.

  According to the method for manufacturing a consumable item for a printing apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, when the consumable item is for a specific application, the consumable item stored in the storage device can be stored from the outside of the packaging container. Since the information about the amount of consumption is rendered meaningless, it is possible to suppress or prevent the use of consumables for specific applications in general applications.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a consumable for a printing apparatus. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a consumable, comprising: preparing a consumable with a storage device, and identifying at least whether the consumable is for a specific application with respect to the consumable. A first storage area for storing information and information on the amount of consumption of the consumables referred to by the general-purpose printing apparatus; and at least consumption of the consumables referred to when the consumables are for a specific use A storage device comprising a second storage area for storing information relating to the quantity, and when the consumable is for a specific use, the reference is made by the general purpose printing device in the first storage area The information on the consumption amount of the consumables is rendered meaningless, and the consumables are packaged in a packaging container.

  According to the method for manufacturing a consumable for a printing apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the consumable is for a specific application, the consumption referred to by the general-purpose printing apparatus in the first storage area. Since the information regarding the consumption amount of the product is rendered meaningless, it is possible to suppress or prevent the use of the consumable product for a specific application in a general application.

  In the consumable manufacturing method according to the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, the meaningless information on the amount of consumption of the consumables may be executed by a process of setting the remaining amount of the consumables to zero. . In this case, the general-purpose printing apparatus can obtain only information on the remaining amount 0 as information related to the amount of consumption of consumables, and execution of printing processing is restricted. Alternatively, the meaningless information regarding the consumption amount of the consumable item may be executed by a process that inhibits reading of the information regarding the consumption amount of the consumable item. In this case, by making the information on the consumption amount of the consumables unavailable, the information on the consumption amount of the consumables can be made virtually meaningless.

  According to the control method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the same advantages as those of the print control apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention can be obtained. The control method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention can be realized in various aspects in the same manner as the print control apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a consumable for a printing apparatus and a method for manufacturing a consumable for a printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described based on examples with reference to the drawings.

First embodiment:
Schematic Configuration of Printing Device Consumables In this embodiment, a toner cartridge for storing toner, which is used in a charging type printer using toner, for example, a laser printer, will be described as an example of printing device consumables. . In addition to the above, consumables for printing apparatuses include an ink cartridge for storing ink, a photosensitive member cartridge used for forming a toner image, a fixing unit for fixing the toner image on a printing medium, and a photosensitive member on the photosensitive member. A transfer unit for transferring the toner image onto the print medium, and an intermediate transfer unit for superimposing the color toner images. Both are common in that they are members that are sequentially consumed as the printer is used.

  The schematic configuration of the toner cartridge according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of a toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the storage area of the storage element provided in the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment.

  The toner cartridge 10a according to the present embodiment, that is, a consumable, includes a container 11a that is a consumable main body that stores toner as a consumable, and a storage element 20a. The container 11a is, for example, a resin or metal container, and the inside has various configurations depending on the application. The storage element 20a is provided on the outer wall of the container 11a and stores various types of information to be described later. In the case where a photoconductor cartridge or the like is used as the consumable, for example, the storage element 20a is mounted on the outer wall of the consumable. The storage element 20a includes a plurality of terminals 21 that come into contact with a plurality of terminals on the printer side. The terminal 21 includes a terminal for inputting / outputting data, a power supply terminal, a terminal for detecting whether or not the toner cartridge 10a is mounted (for example, a ground terminal), and a terminal for inputting a clock signal.

  The storage element 20a stores the contract ID, the remaining amount of consumables, the consumable solid ID, the model number, and the expiration date of use of the consumables. The contract ID is information indicating whether or not the toner cartridge 10a is a special-use consumable used for a special-use printer that is a target of a maintenance contract including supply and exchange of consumables. In this embodiment, when X1 is recorded in the contract ID, it indicates that the consumable is for a specific use. When X2 is recorded, it is a consumable for general use that is not for a specific use. Indicates that there is. The area in which the contract ID is stored is an address that is read only by the special-purpose printer, and the general-purpose printer does not access the contract ID address and cannot acquire the contract ID.

  Information on the remaining amount of toner is recorded in percentage or weight in the consumable remaining amount storage area. In addition, instead of the remaining amount of consumables, the amount of consumables consumed may be recorded. In addition, the consumption amount of the photosensitive member cartridge, the fixing unit, and the transfer unit can be determined by, for example, associating the rotation number or the number of prints of the rotation body with the consumption amount in advance, This can be managed by counting the number of printed sheets. In this case, the number of rotations or the number of printed sheets of the rotating body is stored in the storage area for the remaining amount of consumables.

  The storage element 20a in the present embodiment includes a normal remaining amount information storage area A1 used in a general purpose printer and a specific remaining amount information storage area A2 used in a special purpose printer. The specific remaining amount information storage area A2 is an area that can be read only by a printer for specific applications. In other words, when the contract ID is X1, the special purpose printer reads the remaining amount of consumables from the specific remaining amount information storage area A2. When the contract ID is X2, the printer for the specific use consumes from the normal remaining amount information storage area A1. Read the remaining quantity. Since the printer for general use cannot acquire the contract ID, it reads the remaining amount of consumables from the normal remaining amount information storage area A1.

  The consumable item solid ID is identification information uniquely assigned to each toner cartridge 10a. The model number is information indicating the model of the toner cartridge 10a. The expiration date of use is information indicating the expiration date of the toner.

  In manufacturing the toner cartridge 10a according to the present embodiment, a container 11a is prepared, the prepared container 11a is filled with toner, and information for a specific application is stored (contract ID = X1). (Contract ID = X2) is stored in the container 11a according to whether or not there is a contract.

  When the toner cartridge 10a is shipped as a consumable for a specific application, it may be shipped after the normal remaining amount information storage area A1 is rendered meaningless. For meaninglessness, all the information in the storage element 20a may be deleted except for the process of changing the remaining amount to 0, or the contract ID storage area and the specific remaining amount information storage area A2. The process of setting the remaining amount in the normal remaining amount information storage area A1 of the storage element 20a to 0 may be performed via the terminal 21. Alternatively, the storage element 20a is provided with a wireless communication function, and is in a non-contact manner. It may be done. Alternatively, an erasing circuit for erasing the storage area excluding the storage area for the contract ID and the specific remaining amount information storage area A2 may be added to the storage element 20a, and the erasing circuit may be operated from the outside.

  According to the toner cartridge 10a according to the first embodiment described above, the specific remaining amount information storage area A2 that can be read by the printer for specific use, and the normal remaining amount information storage area A1 that can be read by the printer for general use, The storage element 20a having two remaining amount information storage areas is used. Further, when the toner cartridge 10a is shipped as a consumable for a specific application, at least information in the normal remaining amount information storage area A1 is rendered meaningless.

  Therefore, the general-purpose printer cannot execute the printing process based on the remaining amount of toner, and can suppress or prevent the use of the special-purpose consumables (which violates the contract) in the general-purpose printer. More specifically, normally, the printer cannot execute the printing process when the remaining amount of toner is 0. Therefore, when the remaining amount of toner = 0 or the remaining amount of toner cannot be acquired, the printer is for general use. The printing process at the printer can be blocked.

Modification of the first embodiment:
In the first embodiment, the specific remaining amount information storage area A2 and the normal remaining amount information storage area A1 are provided in one memory array of the storage element 20a, but two memory arrays are provided in the storage element 20a. Or two memory elements, each memory array or memory element may be dedicated for a specific application or general application.

  In this case, a general-purpose printer that cannot read out the contract ID always reads out a general-purpose memory array or storage element, and the special-purpose printer 10 has a contract ID of X1. When the contract ID is X2, the remaining amount of consumables may be read from the memory array or storage element for normal use. Further, when the toner cartridge 10a is shipped as a consumable for a specific application, the memory array or the storage element for general use is physically destroyed from the outside, or the circuit is electrically cut off by an external signal. May be.

Second embodiment:
The schematic configuration and internal configuration of the toner cartridge according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of the toner cartridge according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the storage area of the storage element provided in the toner cartridge according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing internal function blocks of a storage element provided in the toner cartridge according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a logic circuit for making the storage element of the toner cartridge according to the second embodiment read-only. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified command obtained from a combination of signals in the circuit of FIG.

  The toner cartridge 10b according to this embodiment, that is, a consumable item, includes a container 11b that is a consumable item main body that stores toner as a consumable item, and a storage element 20b. The container 11a is, for example, a resin or metal container, and the inside has various configurations depending on the application. The storage element 20b is provided on the outer wall of the container 11b and stores various types of information to be described later. The memory element 10b is provided with the above-described plurality of terminals described in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the storage element 20b stores a contract ID, a consumable item remaining amount, a consumable item solid ID, a model number, and a consumable expiry date. The contract ID is information indicating whether or not the toner cartridge 10b is a special-use consumable used for a special-use printer that is a target of a maintenance contract including supply and replacement of the consumable. In this embodiment, when X1 is recorded in the contract ID, it indicates that the consumable is for a specific use. When X2 is recorded, it is a consumable for general use that is not for a specific use. Indicates that there is. The area in which the contract ID is stored is an address that is read only by the special-purpose printer, and the general-purpose printer does not access the contract ID address and cannot acquire the contract ID.

  Information on the remaining amount of toner is recorded in percentage or weight in the consumable remaining amount storage area. In addition, instead of the remaining amount of consumables, the amount of consumables consumed may be recorded. In addition, the consumption amount of the photosensitive member cartridge, the fixing unit, and the transfer unit can be determined by, for example, associating the rotation number or the number of prints of the rotation body with the consumption amount in advance, This can be managed by counting the number of printed sheets. In this case, the number of rotations or the number of printed sheets of the rotating body is stored in the storage area for the remaining amount of consumables.

  The consumable item solid ID, the model number, and the expiration date for use are information as described in the first embodiment.

  The storage element 20b includes at least a memory array 201b and a memory controller 202b. The memory array 201b is a semiconductor memory having a predetermined number of storage cells for storing bit information.

  The memory controller 202b controls access to the memory array 201b, that is, data writing and reading, in accordance with a read / write command included in a data string transmitted from an external device, for example, a printer. The memory controller 202b includes, for example, a terminal 21 including a terminal for inputting an address signal ADR (or a clock signal), a terminal for inputting a data string, and a terminal for inputting a write / read command extracted from the data string. Connected with.

  The memory controller 202b and the memory array 201b have a read control signal line RCL for transmitting a read command (R command), a write control signal line WCL for transmitting a write command (W command), and an address for transmitting an address signal. The signal line ADL and the data signal line DL for transmitting the data signal are connected. When each of the R command and the W command becomes “0”, the memory controller 202b reads / writes data from / to the memory cell in the memory array 201b indicated by the address signal ADR.

Configuration for Restricting (Prohibiting) Write Processing to Memory Array 201b A configuration for restricting (prohibiting) write processing to the memory array 201b will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The circuit shown in FIG. 6 is provided, for example, at a subsequent stage of the memory controller 202b, and includes a switch 25 that can be irreversibly changed from the outside to a disconnected state. The circuit shown in FIG. 6 compares the input W command with the control signal C and outputs a revised W command, the contract ID recorded in the memory array 201b, and the on / off state of the switch 25. Is provided with a logic circuit L12 for outputting a control signal C. As a result, a modified W command controlled by the logic circuit L10 is input to the memory array 201b in place of the W command output from the memory controller 202b.

  When the switch 25 is in the connected state and the contract ID value is 1 (indicating that it is for a specific application), the control signal C output from the logic circuit L12 is 0. Further, when the switch 25 is in the connected state and the contract ID value is 0 (indicating that it is for general use), the control signal C output from the logic circuit L12 is 0.

  On the other hand, when the switch 25 is in a disconnected state and the value of the contract ID is 1 (indicating that it is for a specific application), the control signal C output from the logic circuit L12 is 1. Further, when the switch 25 is in a disconnected state and the contract ID value is 0 (indicating that it is for general use), the control signal C output from the logic circuit L12 is 0.

  In the example of FIGS. 6 and 7, the W command is input to the logic circuit L10. Therefore, as long as the control signal C is 0, the W command input to the logic circuit L10, that is, the write control signal is output as it is to the memory array 201b as a revised W command. On the other hand, when the control signal C is 1, the W command input to the logic circuit L10, that is, the write control signal is fixed to “1” and output, and writing is not executed in the memory array 201b. FIG. 7 shows a combination of values of each signal, which summarizes the above description.

  Therefore, when the toner cartridge 10b is a consumable for a specific application, it is provided in the toner cartridge 10b after shipment by, for example, turning off the switch 25 from the outside of the package of the toner cartridge 10b. Writing to the storage element 20b can be made impossible. In this method, for a consumable for specific use, the contract ID of the toner cartridge 10b is set to X1, and the remaining consumable information is set to 0, so that the consumable remaining information in the consumable for specific use is rewritten later. Can be suppressed or prevented.

-Manufacturing method of the toner cartridge 10b:
A method for manufacturing the toner cartridge 10b according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing manufacturing steps of the toner cartridge 10b according to the second embodiment. An empty container 11b is prepared (step S100), the inside of the container is filled with toner (step S102), and the container 11b is sealed. The storage element 20b is mounted at a predetermined position on the outer wall of the sealed container 11b (step S104), and the toner cartridge 10b is packaged in a packaging bag such as plastic or paper (step S106). The storage element 20b used in this process is a storage element in which contract ID = X1 and consumables remaining amount information = 0 remaining amount.

  The above-described switch 25 is switched from the top of the packaging bag to the cut state to execute the meaningless process of consumption (step S108), and the product is packed in an outer box for shipment (step S110). Needless to say, the toner filling may be performed in a state where the storage element 20b is already mounted in the container 11b. In addition, when a photoreceptor cartridge or the like is used as a consumable, the toner filling is performed. The storage element is mounted on the outer wall of the photosensitive member cartridge without performing the above.

  The toner cartridge 10b according to the second embodiment described above has a storage element configuration that does not allow writing to the storage element 20b after shipment. Subsequent rewriting can suppress or prevent the usage mode used in general-purpose printers.

-Modification of the second embodiment:
A modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In this modification, instead of restricting (prohibiting) writing processing to the memory array 201b of the toner cartridge 10b for specific applications, reading of consumable item remaining amount information is restricted (prohibited). FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a logic circuit for making a specific address in a storage element of a toner cartridge according to a modification of the second embodiment read-only. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a revised command obtained from a combination of signals in the circuit of FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of signals output by the address decoder in FIG.

  -Configuration for restricting (prohibiting) reading processing of remaining consumables information:

  Similarly to the circuit shown in FIG. 6, the circuit shown in FIG. 9 is also provided at the subsequent stage of the memory controller 202b, and includes a switch 25, a logic circuit L10, and a logic circuit L12 that can be irreversibly changed from the outside to a disconnected state. ing. Therefore, a modified R command controlled by the logic circuit L10 is input to the memory array 201b in place of the R command output from the memory controller 202b.

  The circuit shown in FIG. 9 is provided with an address decoder L16 as compared with the circuit shown in FIG. 6, and the logic circuit L12 is inputted with an address decode signal D decoded by the address decoder L16. Different from the circuit shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, when a predetermined address, for example (10 to 17) is input, the address decoder L16 outputs “1” as the address decode signal D, and an address other than the predetermined address, for example ( When 00 to 0F and 18 to 7F) are input, “0” is output as the address decode signal D.

  When the switch 25 is in the connected state and the value of the input address is a predetermined address, the address decode signal D = 0 and the control signal C output from the logic circuit L12 is 0. When the switch 25 is in the connected state and the value of the input address is an address other than the predetermined address, the address decode signal D = 0 and the control signal C output from the logic circuit L12 is 0.

  On the other hand, when the switch 25 is in a disconnected state and the value of the input address is a predetermined address, the address decode signal D = 1 and the control signal C output from the logic circuit L12 is 1. When the switch 25 is in a disconnected state and the value of the input address is an address other than the predetermined address, the address decode signal D = 0 and the control signal C output from the logic circuit L12 is 0.

  In the examples of FIGS. 9 and 10, the R command is input to the logic circuit L10. Therefore, as long as the control signal C is 0, the R command input to the logic circuit L10, that is, the read control signal is output as it is as the revised R command. On the other hand, when the control signal C is 1, the R command input to the logic circuit L10, that is, the read control signal is fixed to 1 and output, and the read is not executed in the memory array 201b. FIG. 10 shows a combination of values of each signal, which summarizes the above description.

  Therefore, when the toner cartridge 10b is a consumable for a specific application, it is provided in the toner cartridge 10b after shipment by, for example, turning off the switch 25 from the outside of the package of the toner cartridge 10b. It is possible to make it impossible to read the remaining consumable information of the storage element 20b. In this method, the contract ID of the toner cartridge 10b is set to X1 regardless of whether it is a consumable for a specific use or a consumable for general use, and the remaining amount information of the consumable that the general purpose printer reads at the time of shipment is invalid. (Cannot be read). Therefore, by operating the switch 25 at the time of shipment, the one toner cartridge 10b can be used as both a consumable product for a specific use and a consumable product for general use.

-Manufacturing method of the toner cartridge 10b:
A method for manufacturing the toner cartridge 10b according to a modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing manufacturing steps of the toner cartridge 10b according to a modification of the second embodiment. An empty container 11b is prepared (step S100), the inside of the container is filled with toner (step S102), and the container 11b is sealed. The storage element 20b is mounted at a predetermined position on the outer wall of the sealed container 11b (step S104), and the toner cartridge 10b is packaged in a packaging bag such as plastic or paper (step S106). The storage element 20b used in this step is a storage element in which contract ID = X1 is set in advance.

  It is determined whether or not the toner cartridge 10b is a consumable for the contract target, that is, a consumable for a specific use (step S107). If the toner cartridge 10b is a consumable for a specific use (step S107: Yes), the above description is made. The switch 25 is switched from the top of the packaging bag to the cut state, and the consumption amount information is rendered non-readable (step S108), and the package is shipped in an outer box (step S110). ).

  On the other hand, if the toner cartridge 10b is not a consumable product for a specific use, that is, if it is a consumable product for general use (step S107: No), the toner cartridge 10b is packed in the outer box without executing the meaningless processing of the consumed amount. Ship (step S110).

  According to the toner cartridge 10b according to the modified example of the second embodiment described above, the toner cartridge 10b can be used as a consumable for a specific application by simply operating the switch 25 from the outside of the packaging bag when the toner cartridge 10b is shipped. It can be set to one of general-use consumables. Therefore, it is possible to avoid excess inventory of either one of the consumables for specific use or the consumables for general use, and the management cost of the consumables can be reduced.

  Further, when the toner cartridge 10b is used as a consumable for a specific application, it is impossible to read out the remaining amount of consumables. Can be prevented.

-Printer configuration example:
A printer capable of using the toner cartridges 10a and 10b according to the first and second embodiments will be briefly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the printer in function blocks.

  The printer 100 includes a printing unit 101, a display unit 102, an input operation unit 103, a consumable information reading unit 106, a data input / output unit 107, a data input / output terminal connection unit 108, and a control circuit 150. A consumable 10 is mounted on the printer 100.

  The print unit 101 is a print function unit that executes print processing using print data received from the personal computer PC via the data input / output terminal connection unit 108 and the data input / output unit 107. As the printing method, for example, a charging method using toner and an ink jet method using ink are used.

  The display unit 102 displays, for example, the status of the printer 100, a paper jam, a display unit using a liquid crystal display that displays a text message about the consumption of each consumable, or the status of the printer 100 such as an online status and an error status. It is the lighting display part for alerting | reporting.

  The input operation unit 103 is a key / switch operation unit for executing input for instructing online / offline operation, paper tray selection, and power on / off.

  The data input / output unit 107 generates data for transmission using data prepared by the control circuit 150 in accordance with a protocol method required for data communication, or extracts data desired by the control circuit 150 from received data. Software communication data input / output interface. The data input / output terminal connection unit 108 is a hardware data input / output interface for connecting the data cable CV1.

  The consumable information reading unit 106 reads information about the consumable from the storage element 20 provided in the consumable 10.

  The control circuit 150 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 151 that executes various programs and software modules, and a read only memory (ROM) / hard disk drive (non-volatile storage device that stores various programs and software modules executed by the CPU 151). HDD) 152, and a random access memory (RAM) 153 as a volatile memory for temporarily storing the program when executing the program and storing the execution result of the program.

  When the printer 100 is a printer for a specific application, for example, the control circuit 150 identifies whether the mounted consumable is a special-use consumable using the contract ID, and the consumption for the specific application. When the product is mounted, the remaining amount or consumption of the consumable is acquired from the external server, not from the storage element 20. On the other hand, when the printer 100 is a printer for general use, for example, the control circuit 150 does not make a determination using the contract ID, and acquires the remaining amount or consumption of the consumable from the storage element 20.

  The control circuit 150 does not execute the requested printing process when the acquired remaining amount of the consumable item is not sufficient for executing the printing process. When the printer 100 is a printer for a specific application, the control circuit 150 includes information on the printer for a specific application, such as firmware version, IP address, model, individual identification information, consumable information, such as contract ID, consumption, and the like. The consumable amount, consumable solid ID, model number, and expiration date of use are transmitted as printer information to an external server. On the other hand, when the printer 100 is a general-purpose printer, the control circuit 150 transmits printer information to the special-purpose printer.

Other examples:
(1) In each of the above-described embodiments, the storage elements 20a and 20b are provided with the terminal 21, and the consumable information reading unit 106 reads information on the consumables from the storage elements 20a and 20b by a contact method. However, as shown in FIG. 14 showing the toner cartridge 10c according to another embodiment, the storage element 20c may include a wireless communication function instead of the terminal 21. In this case, information about the consumable item is read by a non-contact method.

  When the storage element 20c has a wireless communication function, the above-described meaningless processing at the time of factory shipment can be easily executed. That is, the consumables remaining amount information of the storage element 20c can be changed in a non-contact manner through wireless communication. For example, when the toner cartridge 10c is used as a consumable for a specific application, the consumable remaining amount information can be changed to 0 and the contract ID = X1. On the other hand, when the toner cartridge 10c is used as a general-use consumable, the consumable remaining amount information can be changed to an appropriate remaining amount and the contract ID = X2.

(2) In each of the above embodiments, the switch 25 that can be irreversibly switched from the connected state to the disconnected state is used to make the storage element 20 unrewritable or to make it impossible to read from the predetermined address of the storage element 20. However, instead of the switch 25, a fuse or a wiring formed on the substrate may be used. When a fuse is used, it is possible to irreversibly switch from a connected state to a disconnected state by cutting the fuse. Note that the switch 25 and the fuse are preferably provided in the memory element 20 which is a semiconductor memory device in a state that can be switched and disconnected from the outside. In this case, unauthorized re-conduction processing can be prevented. When wiring formed on the substrate is used, it is possible to irreversibly switch from the connected state to the disconnected state by physically folding the substrate portion to which the wiring is attached.

(3) When the toner cartridge 10 is provided with a plurality of storage elements 20, when the toner cartridge 10 is shipped as a consumable product for a specific application, the storage element used by the general-purpose printer may be removed. . In this case, it is possible to physically prevent the use of consumables for specific applications in general-purpose printers.

(4) In each of the embodiments described above, the memory element 20 is not rewritable or cannot be read from a predetermined address of the memory element 20 with respect to the memory element provided in the consumable for the specific application. Alternatively, for example, the memory controller 202b may be designed such that the write data is fixed to 0 or undefined, and the read data is fixed to 0 or undefined. In this case, when a consumable for a specific application is used in a general-purpose printer, the remaining amount of the consumable is 0 or indeterminate, and the printing process in the general-purpose printer is not executed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or suppress the use of the special-purpose consumables in the general-purpose printer.

(5) The address for storing the remaining amount of consumables in the storage element provided in the general-use consumable is different from the address for storing the remaining amount of consumables in the storage element provided in the specific-use consumable. Anyway. In other words, when the remaining amount information is represented by 8 bits and the consumable item for general use is associated with 255 for the remaining amount 100 and 0 for the remaining amount 0%, May associate 0 with the remaining amount 100% and 255 with the remaining amount 0%. In this case, it is possible to suppress the use of consumables for a specific purpose in a general purpose printer. Alternatively, the address order for storing the remaining amount of consumables may be reversed between the general-use consumables and the specific-use consumables.

(6) In each of the above embodiments, there are two types of contract IDs, X1 (with contract) and X2 (without contract). In addition, when there are a plurality of contract levels, the contract ID is subdivided according to each contract level. The contracted ID may be attached. In this case, using the contract ID as identification information, the usage mode of the consumable for the specific application can be controlled according to the contract level. For example, the number of toner cartridges that can be replaced every month is specified according to the contract level, and when the specified replacement number is exceeded, execution of printing can be stopped.

(7) Instead of or in addition to the remaining amount of consumables, the expiration date of use may be used to prevent or suppress the use of consumables for specific applications in general purpose printers. Specifically, when using a general-purpose printer that does not use a toner cartridge whose expiration date has passed, the expiration date of the consumable for specific application is set as, for example, the shipping date, thereby specifying the printer for general-purpose use. The use of consumables for applications can be prevented or suppressed. In this case, since the printer for a specific application acquires information about the consumables from the external server, the printing process in the printer for the specific application is not limited.

(8) An inspection bit may be attached to the remaining amount information, and the inspection bit may be destroyed when the consumable is used as a consumable for a specific application. In this case, the general-purpose printer cannot determine whether or not the remaining amount information is appropriate, and print processing using the special-use consumable is restricted.

(9) In each of the above embodiments, a toner cartridge is used as a consumable item. When the remaining amount of toner is less than the determination value, it is assumed that the consumable item is in an unusable state and printing processing is not performed. did. On the other hand, when a photoconductor cartridge, a transfer unit, etc. are used as consumables, it is said that the consumables cannot be used when the number of uses of the photoconductor cartridge, the transfer unit exceeds a predetermined number. The

(10) In the second embodiment, the logic circuits L10, L12 and the like have been described as being disposed between the memory controller 202b and the memory array 201b. However, the memory array 201b is merely a storage area, and the memory controller When 202b functions as an input / output controller according to an external read / write command, it may be arranged in front of the memory controller 202b.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on the Example and the modification, Embodiment mentioned above is for making an understanding of this invention easy, and does not limit this invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and equivalents thereof are included in the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a schematic configuration of a toner cartridge according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a storage area of a storage element provided in the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a schematic configuration of a toner cartridge according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a storage area of a storage element provided in a toner cartridge according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing internal function blocks of a storage element provided in a toner cartridge according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a logic circuit for restricting writing to a storage element of a toner cartridge according to a second exemplary embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a revised command obtained from a combination of signals in the circuit of FIG. 6. 10 is a flowchart showing manufacturing steps of the toner cartridge 10b according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a logic circuit example for restricting reading of a specific address in a storage element of a toner cartridge according to a modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a revised command obtained from a combination of signals in the circuit of FIG. 9. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a signal output by the address decoder of FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing manufacturing steps of a toner cartridge 10b according to a modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a printer using functional blocks. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating a toner cartridge according to another embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 10a, 10b, 10c ... Toner cartridge 11, 11a, 11b, 11c ... Container 20, 20a, 20b, 20c ... Storage element 21 ... Terminal 25 ... Switch 100 ... Printer 101 ... Printing part 102 ... Display part 103 ... Input operation Unit 106: Consumables information reading unit 107 ... Data input / output unit 108 ... Data input / output terminal connection unit 150 ... Control circuit 151 ... CPU
152 ... ROM / HDD
153 ... RAM
L10, L12 ... logic circuit L16 ... address decoder

Claims (10)

Consumables for printing devices,
A first storage area that stores at least identification information indicating whether or not the consumable is for a specific application, and a first storage area that stores at least information related to the amount of consumption of the consumable referred to by the printing apparatus for the specific application. A consumable comprising a storage device comprising two storage areas. The consumable according to claim 1,
When the consumable item is a consumable item for a specific application, information indicating that the remaining amount of the consumable item is 0 is further stored in the first storage area as information regarding the consumption amount of the consumable item. Consumables that have been. Consumables for printing devices,
A consumable comprising a storage device that stores at least identification information indicating whether or not the consumable is for a specific application, and information regarding the amount of consumption of the consumable that has been rendered meaningless. The consumable according to claim 3,
The meaningless information on the amount of consumption of the consumable is a consumable that is executed by a process of setting the remaining amount of the consumable to 0. The consumable according to claim 3 or 4,
The storage device is a consumable that is a storage device that can be rewritten only once after the initial recording. The consumable according to claim 3,
The meaningless information on the consumption amount of the consumable item is a consumable item that is executed by a process that inhibits reading of information on the consumption amount of the consumable item. A method of manufacturing a consumable for a printing apparatus,
Prepare a consumable with a storage device,
In the storage device, at least information on the amount of consumption of the consumables, identification information indicating whether the consumables are for a specific use,
Packaging the consumables in a packaging container;
A method for manufacturing a consumable, in which, when the consumable is for a specific application, information regarding the amount of consumption of the consumable stored in the storage device is rendered meaningless from the outside of the packaging container. A method of manufacturing a consumable for a printing apparatus,
Prepare a consumable with a storage device,
First storage for storing at least identification information indicating whether or not the consumable is for a specific use and information on the amount of consumption of the consumable to be referred to by the general purpose printing apparatus. A storage device comprising an area and a second storage area for storing at least information about the amount of consumption of the consumable to be referred to when the consumable is for a specific application;
A method for manufacturing a consumable, in which, when the consumable is for a specific application, the information regarding the consumption amount of the consumable referred to by the general-purpose printing apparatus in the first storage area is rendered meaningless. In the manufacturing method of the consumable goods of Claim 7 or 8,
The meaningless information on the amount of consumption of the consumables is a consumable manufacturing method that is executed by a process of setting the remaining amount of the consumables to zero. In the manufacturing method of the consumable goods of Claim 7 or 8,
The meaningless information on the consumption amount of the consumable item is a method for manufacturing a consumable item, which is executed by a process that obstructs reading of information on the consumption amount of the consumable item.

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